Former Bronco Dane Gagai won't rule out having a run for Kiwis

THE trans-Tasman selection tug-of-war is set to intensify with former Broncos ace Dane Gagai revealing he is eligible for the Kiwis.

Dane Gagai

THE trans-Tasman selection tug-of-war is set to intensify with one of the NRL's hottest backline talents, former Broncos ace Dane Gagai, revealing he is eligible for the Kiwis.

The code's representative eligibility rules have come under fierce scrutiny this season after New Zealand-born Cowboys prop James Tamou stunned the Kiwis by renouncing his ties only 10 days before turning out for Australia in April's Anzac Test.

The dust had barely settled on the "Turncoat Tamou'' saga when it emerged the Queensland hierarchy had sounded out fellow Kiwi prop Sam Kasiano, who remains undecided about his representative future.

Now Gagai is the latest NRL top-liner to outline his dual-eligibility status.

Sacked by the Broncos eight weeks ago for a slew of minor disciplinary breaches, Gagai has been a revelation under Wayne Bennett at the Knights, and, on current form, could be a left-field consideration for the October 13 Test against Australia.

Ahead of Newcastle's clash against the Sharks tomorrow night, Gagai confirmed his Kiwi ties but is in no rush to decide his representative future.

"My mum is a Kiwi, so I can play for New Zealand. I have a mix of cultures,'' Gagai said. "I've never lived in New Zealand  I was born and raised in Australia  but I'm proud of my Kiwi heritage.'' 

Gagai represented the Junior Kangaroos last season but, under the current rules, he could still pledge his senior allegiance to the Kiwis.

Aiding New Zealand's chances of snaring Gagai is that his cousin, Broncos fullback Josh Hoffman, made his Kiwi debut this year after renouncing his ties with Queensland.

"I'm not sure if the Kiwis know about me but my cousin 'Hoffy' (Hoffman) is a Kiwi," Gagai said. 

"My mum and Hoffy's dad (Shane) are brother and sister. We grew up together in Mackay, we were next door neighbours for years and we've been inseparable ever since."

Asked if Hoffman had attempted to sway Gagai, he said: "Josh doesn't mention the Kiwis to me so there's no pressure there. I have a lot to learn in the NRL first but I wouldn't rule anything out." 

NZRL high-performance manager Tony Kemp said he was aware of Gagai's eligibility and had been watching his recent performances.

"At this stage, we're going around talking to guys and Dane is on our extended list of Kiwis to keep an eye on," Kemp said.